Famous book author, Malcolm Gladwell once said that it takes roughly around ten thousand hours of practice in order to achieve mastery in a field. If that were true, then Martabak Pecenongan 65a would probably have achieved the status of a legend in its own field.

Founded in 1970, the owner, who simply goes by Pak Agus, claimed that there are roughly around 200 orders in a day. With more than 40 years in business and daily sale of 200 martabaks on average, the total amount of Martabak sold up to this day would be… Go ahead and do the math.

Who would have known that this simple Indonesian version of pancakes, generously slathered with cheese, chocolate and butter, would have such a wide appeal? To pinpoint this famous stall, first head to Pecenongan Street in Central Jakarta. Once there, you’ll come across a handful of Martabak stalls. But don’t fret, to avoid confusion, the one and only Martabak Pecenongan 65a can be found at, well, number 65a. Then again, it’s easy to locate, as it’s the only stall with throng of waiting patrons outside.

The best part is definitely the Half Cheese and Half Toblerone Martabak. Yes, you read that right. It’s Toblerone chocolate. And the end result is a melt-in-your-mouth, divine yet sinful treat that will please even the most jaded sugar tooth individuals. Though it only opens from 6pm, the stall will begin taking orders as early as 5pm. But for those who dread the long wait, you’ll be glad to know that Bubur Kwang Tung – the “celebrated” Hong Kong cuisine eatery, is just a few metres down the road to fix your empty stomach, providing an easy dinner solution as you wait.

Street

Since 1960, Gado-Gado Bon Bin has served up the Jakartan street food staple right in the heart of Cikini, where everyone’s favourite Indonesian salad is doused in its signature peanut dressing, proving exactly the timelessness of this dish.

Be prepared to be overwhelmed at Nasi Uduk Ibu Jum. The eatery’s claim to fame is its broad assortments of side dishes that aren’t only tempting to look at but also smashingly good when paired with its famous nasi uduk.